Summer Anxiety in Teens and Young Adults
Most might imagine that summer as a teen would be filled with fun; a time to relax and sleep late, and to take a break from academic pressures. But, summer can also create a whole new set of anxieties; social pressure to seem like you are always having a party, jobs that will “look good” on college applications, unexpected homesickness while traveling, and, for juniors in high school, the looming responsibility of writing the “personal statement” for college applications.
Anxiety generated by any and all of these factors can lead to irritability, poor sleep habits, poor eating habits, harmful or avoidant behaviors, and emotionally shutting down.
So what can be done to alleviate and support teens with these challenges? Here are some strategies to consider:
Create and help maintain a sense of structure and a schedule: try to maintain a wake up time and bedtime, shared family meals, and an exercise routine, even if it's a simple daily walk.
Limit time spent on technology: social media creates a comparative culture that can consume hours of their day and often leads to feelings of missing out which contributes to poor self esteem.
Focus on nutrition: encourage healthy eating habits, shared meal preparation, and encourage adequate hydration.
Support healthy sleep routines: teenagers need 8-10 hours of sleep a night, which allows for better cognitive function and overall health.
Plan for college applications: for those applying to college in the fall, they need to spend some time brainstorming and beginning to write a personal statement as part of their weekly summer schedule.
Anxiety in young people has increased exponentially, and is important to address. If your child is struggling with anxiety, it is important to remember that they (and you) are not alone. Consider a consultation to discuss any or all of these topics with Dr. Geary by clicking the link here.
